Waterford, recently listed among the prestigious New York Times 52 Place To Go in 2024, the perfect reason to visit this jewel of the southeast this year.
Waterford was the only Irish destination on this year’s list, and also featured in the Conde Nast Traveller Magazine Best Places to Go in 2024.
“Yes, Waterford is synonymous with crystal, but the city, founded in 914, also sparkles with history and natural treasures,” travel expert AnneLise Sorensen said in her New York Times review. “In the Viking Triangle, Waterford’s cobblestone core, a new digital story trail brings the past to life at stops like the medieval landmark Reginald’s Tower. The city also offers less-ancient attractions, including the new Irish Wake Museum, dedicated to the funeral ritual, and the Irish Museum of Time, which showcases grandfather clocks, watches and more.”
Waterford’s natural riches rival its historical ones, notably the Copper Coast, hemmed by towering cliffs and scalloped coves. The coast forms part of the Waterford Greenway, a nearly 30-mile path along a disused rail line. In 2023, a new section linked the greenway to the centre of Waterford. Top off your Greenway adventure with afternoon tea amid one of Ireland’s largest collections of plants at Mount Congreve Gardens, which reopened in 2023 after a multimillion-dollar refurbishment.
“This list is highly regarding and it often sets the bar or casts the spotlight on destinations for other travel writers to plan further exploration, so we are thrilled to be included,” said Sara Dolan, commercial director at Mount Congreve Trust and Waterford Treasures.
“Waterford has experienced a significant international profile boost of late, with the Conde Nast Traveller Best Places to Go in 2024. There has been significant investment in the tourism product in Waterford with the development of the Waterford Greenway, the opening of four new museums by Waterford Treasures, the redevelopment and opening of Mount Congreve Gardens and more, so it is very rewarding to see this investment recognised at a global level and see Ireland’s oldest city achieve the status it deserves.”
Waterford Treasures Museums are open daily year-round and Mount Congreve Gardens re-opens for the 2024 season today, February 1. For further details on Mount Congreve Gardens and Waterford Treasures see www.mountcongreve.com or WaterfordTreasures.com
